Mary Josephine Wirht

Mary Jo Wirht

October 20, 1922 - January 2, 2022

Mary Jo Wirht died peacefully in her daughter’s home in Fresno on Sunday, January 2, 2022.  She was 99.

She is survived by her children, Will and wife Linda from Exeter, Carol Crosson and husband Greg from Exeter, Brad and wife Lou Dove from Austin, Texas and Meredith Leisle and husband  Greg from Fresno.  She is also survived by15 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

Husband Willard H. Wirht and son Ted predeceased her.

Mary Jo was born on October 20, 1922 in Los Angeles to Gertrude and Karl Gotham.  She was their only child.  She grew up in North Hollywood and Studio City and attended North Hollywood High.  She graduated from the University of Redlands in 1943 and married Willard Wirht the same year in Georgia prior to his deployment to the Pacific theater of WWII.  After the war they moved to Redlands and in 1946 had their first child.  They soon relocated to Exeter where she lived her next 75 years.

She and Willard raised five children, farmed plums, grapes, peaches and citrus while maintaining successful careers as educators.  She taught a generation of Exeter 8th graders American History, the Constitution and guided them through their first term paper.  She was a brilliant educator, serious about teaching her subject and deeply caring for each of her students.  They thought she was very cool.  

Until Willard’s passing in 1992 and until she could go no more, Mary Jo was a willing and eager traveller.  She cruised, jetted, road-tripped and RV’ed experiencing the globe.  Much of her last 50 years were spent at the family cabin in Wilsonia.  Mary Jo was everyone’s favorite; fun, generous in spirit and great company.

For 75 years she was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Exeter.  She was in multiple bridge clubs, golf groups and garden clubs.  She was a member of education sorority Delta Kappa Gamma, active as a Redlands alumna, fully supported the Exeter Boys and Girls Club and was a contributor to numerous civic groups. Mary Jo’s presence made a difference.

The Family and friends of Mary Jo (Gotham) Wirht are invited to attend a memorial service to honor Mary Jo on Saturday, June 4, 2022 at 10:00 A.M. at the Exeter Presbyterian Church, 200 S. E Street, Exeter. A brunch reception at the church will follow. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Exeter Presbyterian Church, the Exeter Boys and Girls Club or to a charity of your choice. 

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